6 Best Massage Guns Reviews 2021 - Top Deep Tissue Percussive Massagers - Esquire

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You ever watch a video of Phil Collins playing one of those rad drum fills and think, ugh, what I wouldn't give to be that drum kit right now. No, me neither. But on the off chance you have, you don't have to dream about it anymore, because percussive massage guns exist. These little health gadgets drum the hell out of your shoulders, lower back, neck, arms, thighs, calves, glutes, and wherever the hell else. That deep tissue vibration power can be targeted at any time to warm up muscles, bust through stiffness, and ease recovery, from pre-workout to post-hangover. And considering we’ve been forced to figure out how to do more and more for ourselves this last year, it's not a bad idea to have your own handheld massage therapist lying around.

But do you drop 600 bucks or $130? What if you want a heated option? How about a gun you can take along to the gym or on a trip? Well, if you’d stop worrying about it and read my list, you’d know there's a well-reviewed massage gun with the right features out there for everyone. Except babies and small animals. Anyway. Here are the best massage guns you can get right now.

1. The Best Professional-Level Massage Gun: Theragun PRO
2. The Best Value for a High-End Massage Gun: Hypervolt Plus
3. The Most Portable Massage Gun: Theragun Mini
4. The Best Attachments for a Portable Massage Gun: Hypervolt GO
5. The Best Massage Gun Under $150: Sportneer Elite D9
6. The Best Heated Massage Gun: SKG F5


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The Best Pro-Level Massage Gun

Theragun PRO
TheraGun amazon.com
$599.00


This is the big one. The crown jewel. The massage gun used by Physical Therapy Professionals. However, that also makes it the most expensive massage gun, and arguably too heavy-duty for some, especially in the era of low-key home workouts. If you're one who suffers from heightened muscle pain or takes part in intense workouts five or more days a week, though, it's worth considering. Theragun is the brand that put massage guns on the mainstream map, and you'll come to understand why. The design of the Pro looks intimidating, but it is extremely ergonomic, with multiple grab points and a swiveling arm so you can wield it at the angle that best hits muscles in hard-to-reach places. The Theragun Pro also hands down comes with the most accessories for working different muscles, and it even offers a dual head attachment that feels fantastic around your spine (although it's an add-on that'll cost you). This is undoubtedly the top of the market.


The Best Value for a High-End Massage Gun

Hypervolt Plus
Hyperice amazon.com
$399.00


Theragun may have put massage guns into the hands of people who aren't athletes or PT pros, but Hyperice is its incredibly worthy competition. The Hypervolt Plus, Hyperice's answer to the Theragun Pro, could be ideal for you for a couple reasons. Firstly, it is molded in a traditional “gun” style, with an easy-to-grip handle. Secondly, it costs less. And yet, it still features all those professional-grade bells and whistles—different speeds and attachments, a quiet engine, a Bluetooth-connected app—packing a much more accessible punch. While Theragun may have a tighter grip on the professional market, the Hyperbolt Plus comes in at $200 less than the Theragun Pro. If you're just getting into the massage gun game but want to go big, this is your guy.


The Most Portable Massage Gun

Theragun Mini
TheraGun amazon.com
$199.00


The miniature massage gun category—my favorite offshoot. Sure, the tiny ones don't punch quite as hard, but they can go anywhere with you, since they're quiet and made to fit in a gym bag, backpack, or suitcase. Both Theragun and Hyperice offer fantastic models here. The Theragun Mini is designed like a palm-sized triangle, and it comes with a carrying case. Now, you may be hard-set for attachments, but the convenience more than makes up for it. And don't for a second think the Mini is weak—it’ll still percussively massage the crap out of your extremities.


The Best Attachments for a Portable Massage Gun

Hypervolt GO Massage Gun
Hyperice amazon.com
$199.00


Like Theragun, Hyperice dabbles in the miniature massage gun category. The prices may be the same—a really very accessible $199—but this is where differing design philosophies take hold. The Hypervolt Go's traditional handle may fit your needs better, depending on hand size and other comfort issues. It also comes with a few head accessories and a travel case. It's an easy one to embed into your personal wellness routine, which, as with anything regarding your body, is of the utmost importance.


The Best Massage Gun Under $150

Elite D9 Massage Gun
Sportneer amazon.com
$129.99


Unsure about massage guns? Think I'm little more than a snake oil salesman? Totally fine. I'm hurt, not surprised. But check this out: Sportneer sells a really well-made massage gun for $130 that mimics the form and accessories of mid-range models from the larger companies. Sportneer's deep tissue massager comes with six interchangeable heads for digging into different spots and working through all muscles (not just the easily reached ones). Sure, it doesn't beat the hell out of my back like, say, the Pro, but it still helps me feel some muscle relief.


The Best Heated Massage Gun

F5 Massage Gun
SKG amazon.com
$129.00


Oddly enough, the cheapest gun on this list has one of the best features. The SKG F5 drums on those muscles for you, Phil Collins style, but it also heats them up—and that feels great. This gun is far more attuned to a yoga, cycling, or running routine, where you need to ease knots, not heal tears; the lighter percussiveness of this gun is required to get the full effects of the heating. I find myself gravitating towards it after waking up with shoulder pain and a headache.


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Cameron Sherrill Cameron Sherrill is a designer and writer for Esquire.com, where he covers technology and video games.

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